April 1-9, 2010

April Events

April 1, 2010. LE JOLI MAI. Chris Marker's Le Joli Mai at SFMOMA. Poetry Thursday April 1, 7:00pm. (Dir. Chris Marker and Pierre Lhomme, 1963, 16mm black and white) Brand new print! Filmed in the same year as La Jetée, Le Joli mai is one of Chris Marker's great but lesser known essay films. Mixing voice-over commentary with a series of interviews with Parisians from all walks of life, it moves between questions about personal happiness and questions of national and global politics - from the new consumerism to the French-Algerian War that had just ended, union organizing, women's rights, and colonial relationships. But Le Joli mai is also love song to Paris and its inhabitants, their customs, foibles, and contradictions. Provocative interviews are intertwined with Marker's inimitable commentary, at once tender and ironic, to portray a specific juncture of history -May 1962- from the point of view of the "sum of solitudes" that make up his voluble city. -Irina Leimbacher Location: San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Phyllis Wattis Theater, 151 Third Street, San Francisco http://www.sfmoma.org/events/1609

April 1, 2010. INDIA SONG, part of Yerba Buena Center for the Arts’ THE WORD AND THE IMAGE: THE FILMS OF MARGUERITE DURAS. 701 Mission (at 3rd), SF. 415.978.2787 or http://www.ybca.org for details.

April 1, 2010. JAZZ DOCUMENTARY ~ SOUNDS AND SILENCE. In celebration of the San Francisco Jazz Festival, the Goethe-Institut and SFJAZZ are teaming up to present a preview of the Swiss film, Sounds and Silence, an extroardinary documentary. Manfred Eicher, the prominent and outstanding producer of contemporary music and founder of ECM Records, takes the audience on a musical journey into his fascinating world of sounds and tones. A sensual, impressive, meditative road movie which accomplishes the extraordinary: catching the magic of music. With Arvo Pärt, Dino Saluzzi, Jan Garbarek, Eleni Karaindrou, Anouar Brahem, Gian Luigi Trovesi, Kim Kashkashian, Nik Bärtsch, Marilyn Mazur and others. English subtitles. Director: Peter Guyer, Norbert Wiedmer. Winner of the Berne Film Prize 2009, Nominated for the Swiss Film Prize 2010. Sounds and Silence Thursday, April 1, 7 p.m. Roxie Theatre 3117 16th Street San Francisco, CA 94103 Presented by the Goethe-Institut San Francisco and SFJAZZ.

April 1, 2010. EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT THE LARGE HADRON COLLIDER (LHC), presented by SWISSNEX. Speakers include Malika Meddahi, CERN; Ian Hinchliffe, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, US Atlas Physics Coordinator; and Elizabeth Clements, Senior Science Communicator at Fermilab and co-chair, US LHC Communication Group. The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at the European Organization for Nuclear Research, CERN, is the world’s most powerful accelerator for scientific discovery. Buried 300 feet below Switzerland and France and running 17 miles in length, the LHC smashes beams together at never-before-seen energies in the hopes of unlocking some of the deepest mysteries of the physical universe—including the fundamental building blocks of all matter. After years of preparation and a few minor setbacks, the LHC has started to produce results. Today, more than 17,000 particle accelerators including the LHC are in operation around the world. They have helped national laboratories conduct basic research, aided in diagnosing disease, and led to everyday manufacturing advances such as radial tires. To better understand the LHC and how the basic physics it studies can benefit society, join experts at swissnex San Francisco for LHC 101. Malika Meddahi, a physicist at CERN, describes what the collider is and how it works. Ian Hinchliffe, the US physics coordinator for the ATLAS detector, explains what scientists hope to discover from the LHC, including the illusive Higgs Boson particle. Elizabeth Clements, a senior science communicator at Fermilab, explains how the LHC and other particle accelerators contribute to innovation and therefore to the world economy in unexpected ways by advancing electronics, data storage, magnets, even tunneling technology. This event is produced by swissnex San Francisco and co-sponsored by the Consulate General of Switzerland in San Francisco. Details and registration: http://www.swissnexsanfrancisco.org/Ourwork/events/everythingaboutLHC

April 1-4, 2010. HABIB KOITE & BAMADA play at Yoshi’s, SF. Malian guitarist Habib Koite is one of Africa's most popular and recognized musicians.
Habib's artistry draws on styles from the different regions of Mali, rather than solely on the music of his particular area as most Malian musicians do. He has gained a strong fan base by integrating the rock and folk sounds of the Western world, without watering down his cherished Malian roots. Habib descends from a line of griots, traditional troubadors who provide wit, wisdom and entertainment to the pubic. Taking this role to the world at large, his charisma and magnetism translates across cultures.
Habib's artistry and powerful personality earned him the adoration of fans such as Jackson Browne and Bonnie Raitt, as well as a series of recognized Malian artists, including Keletigui Diabate and Toumani Diabate. They have all done a great deal to support Habib's music, by promoting private events designed to attract new audiences and performing live with Habib on stage.
Few African artists have received the sales and media exposure of Habib Koite. Called "Mali's biggest pop star" by Rolling Stone, Habib has also received raves from widely-read publications such as People, Entertainment Weekly and the New York Times. 1330 Fillmore St., SF. 415.655.5600 or http://www.yoshis.com for details.

April 2, 2010. ELISABETH REED AND COREY JAMASON, viola da gamba and harpsichord, perform works by MARAIS and COUPERIN. San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Hellman Hall, San Francisco. $15-$20. 8pm. 415.864.7326 or http://www.sfcm.edu for details.

April 2, 2010. DJANGOFEST ~ MILL VALLEY CONCERT Featuring Gonzalo Bergara Quartet. Join us for a special DjangoFest Mill Valley Concert! DjangoFest Mill Valley, now in its seventh year, has presented some of the biggest names in the genre to thousands of happy fans throughout the Bay Area. Tonight's performance will help us to bring European and world-class jazz performers to the Bay Area for the festival which is slated for June 10th thru June 13th, 2010. Tonight's performance features Gonzalo Bergara Quartet, Doug Martin Avatar Ensemble with Annie Staninec and other special guests! 142 Throckmorton, Mill Valley. 8:00pm $25.00 General Admission, $35.00 Reserved Seating Call 415.383.9600 http://www.142throckmortontheatre.com for details.

April 2 & 3, 2010. ENSEMBLE GRAND PLATEAU INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONIC MUSIC / PERFORMANCE GROUP. Ensemble Grand Plateau is an international electronic music/performance group that combines live electronic music with video and live text. Group members include San Francisco-based performance artist Brian Shapiro, and Parisian-based electronic musicians Etienne Pons and Olivier Soubra. All music, video, and text is generated by the three, with additional video images provided by other San Francisco artists, including Adina Segal and Bijan Yashar. Locations: Friday, April 2 at 8pm, Berkeley City College, 2050 Center Street, Berkeley, CA 94704 OR Saturday April 3 at 8pm, Viracocha, 998 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110 www.myspace.com/ensemblegrandplateau

April 2-8, 2010. BREATH MADE VISIBLE: SCREENINGS AND EVENTS. Swiss filmmaker RUEDI GERBER returns to the Bay Area with his award-winning film Breath Made Visible. The moving, insightful portrait of dance/performance pioneer Anna Halprin features appearances from the late Merce Cunningham, among others, and won accolades at 2009's Mill Valley and Locarno Film Festivals. Don't miss this chance to see Ms. Halprin, a living legend, live on stage! April 2-8, 2010 Roxie Theater San Francisco http://www.roxie.com/ Anna Halprin and director Ruedi Gerber in person following the 6:45pm and 8:30pm shows on April 2 April 2-8, 2010 Elmwood Theater Berkeley, CA http://www.rialtocinemas.com/index.php?location=elmwood Anna Halprin and director Ruedi Gerber in person at the 7pm and 9:30pm shows on April 3 April 2-8, 2010 Rafael Film Center San Rafael, CA http://www.cafilm.org/ Anna Halprin and director Ruedi Gerber in person following the 4:15pm show on April 4.

April 3, 2010. THE GOOD DANCE, a collaboration between Reggie Wilson and his Brooklyn-based Fist & Heel Performance Group and Wilson’s CONGOLESE choreographic counterpart, ANDREYA OUAMA, and his SENEGALESE company, 1ER TEMPS. Melds the art, culture and history of each man’s ancestry and incorporates the rhythms of African, Caribbean, and African American dance. Novellus Theater, 700 Howard St., SanFrancisco. 415.978.2787 or http://www.ybca.org for details. $10-$30. 8pm.

April 3, 2010. RECORD CLUB presents SERGE GAINSBOURG BIRTHDAY/ TRIBUTE PARTY. Serge Gainsbourg, singer, songwriter, filmmaker, poet, and provocateur would have turned 82 on April 2nd. Join us for a fun and memorable music and film event to celebrate Gainsbourg's birthday! *Saturday April 3rd at CLUBHOUSE 24 / 920 24th St. Midtown Sacramento/ 9pm** $5 donation at the door - Fundraiser for the Sacramento French Film Festival (SFFF)* Ten years after his death in 1991, Serge Gainsbourg--once known only for his heavy-breathing hit "Je t'aime, moi non plus" in duet with Brigitte Bardot then Jane Birkin--has emerged as "his nation's most beloved pop export since Piaf" (New York Times). His musical output encompassed a staggering variety of transformations: classical, chanson, jazz, baby pop, rock, reggae, disco, and hip-hop. His lyrics were mind-boggling exercises in Franglais triple-entendres. And his personal life was marked by a singular dedication to cigarettes, alcohol, and seduction. He also directed a few "bizarre" films! *More info about the event here!<http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#%21/event.php?eid=106789069349556&ref=mf> <http://www.facebook.com/recordclubsacto> .

April 5, 2010. DBF. Come, meet and listen each month our French speaker who will share his experience in French language.
Rebecca Scholl, Senior Vice President of Strategy, Marketing and Communications ACS, a Xerox Company. 6:30pm to 9pm. Redwood City. Contact: Carole Granade, Executive Director, French American Chamber of Commerce, 415.442.4717 or http://www.faccsf.com for details.

April 6, 2010. LIL POOKIE & THE ZYDECO SENSATIONS play Cajun/Zydeco at Ashkenaz. This night of high-energy Louisiana zydeco music features the Ashkenaz debut of Lil Pookie as a bandleader with his Zydeco Sensations. It all runs in the family: accordionist-singer-bassist-drummer Lil Pookie is the nephew of Zydeco Force's Jeffrey Broussard and grandson of the late Delton Broussard of the Lawtell Playboys. A winner of the Zydeco Extravaganza's annual accordion contest at age 16, Pookie has been playing for more than 20 years. His tight ensemble includes Andre Thierry on bass, Ian Lamsen on lead guitar, drummer Willie Jordan, and Lloyd Meadows on scrubboard. Doors at 7:30 p.m.; Cajun/Zydeco dance lesson with Diana Castillo at 8:00 p.m.; Show at 8:30 p.m. $10 www.myspace.com/lilpookieandthezydecosansations

April 7, 2010. LEONARD PITT – BOOK SIGNING AND ILLUSTRATED TALK ON “PARIS CAPTURED.” "If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast." - Ernest Hemingway The invention of the postcard in 1869 sparked a communication revolution equal to the birth of email in our own day. The postcard industry boomed in fashionable Paris, with Parisians and tourists alike enthralled by this quick, informal way of sending messages and hand-tinted photographs of the city they loved. At the turn of the century, France was producing one million cartes postalesa day. Castle in the Air invites you to view a Paris captured at the height of this golden age. Berkeley collector Leonard Pitt shares over 70 postcards showing life in the city's boulevards, streets, shops, dance halls, and cafés. Pitt's accompanying notes take viewers on the ultimate nostalgia trip, revealing social and architectural details of a Paris that has, for the most part, vanished. Leonard Pitt is the bestselling author of Walks Through Lost Paris, Paris Postcards: The Golden Age, and the forthcoming Paris: A Journey Through Time. He will give a talk and book signing at the Paris Captured opening reception the evening of April 7. "A Studio for the Imagination," Castle in the Air's shop and classroom have inspired local and visiting artists since 2001. Castle in the Air's new gallery in the upstairs loft quite literally takes the inspiration to new heights and provides a venue to showcase current and historical works. Gallery open 12 - 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday Reception, book signing, and illustrated talk by Leonard Pitt Wednesday, April 7, 6 p.m. Castle in the Air, 1805 Fourth Street, Berkeley, Calif. 94710 (510) 204-9801, www.castleintheair.biz

April 7, 2010. TOUR DE CHAMPAGNE. Champagnes from over 15 houses Culinary delights from some of San Francisco's finest Chefs
Live music and special raffle benefiting The Make A Wish Foundation
Register at marisa@bubblelounge.com
7pm-10pm. Bubble Lounge, San Francisco. Contact: Carole Granade, Executive Director, French American Chamber of Commerce, 415.442.4717 or http://www.faccsf.com for details.

April 9, 2010. FOLK METAL BAND ELUVEITIE The intrepid folk-metal new-wavers of Eluveitie (Celtic language for Switzerland, by the way) have undertaken yet another US tour. The Regency Ballroom 1290 Sutter Street San Francisco, CA www.theregencyballroom.com/ or www.eluveitie.ch for details.

April 9-May 2, 2010. TARTUFFE, by MOLIERE, performed at the Sixth Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa! Directed by Sheri Lee Miller. A French classic that shines a remarkable reflection on our modern times, Moliere's most successful comedy "Tartuffe" (first performed in 1664) still holds up with its satirical attacks on religious and social hypocrisy. Tartuffe, a con artist who passes himself off as a holy man and wins the good graces of wealthy Orgon. Tartuffe is welcomed into Orgon's home and offered his daughter's hand in marriage. Some in the household realize Tartuffe is a pious imposter as he attempts to woo Orgon's daughter and wife. The question is, can Tartuffe be exposed before he cons the family into giving over their fortune and dignity? http://www.6thstreetplayhouse.com/guides/season-200910/g-k-hardt-theater/tartuffe/

Through April 11, 2010. EUGENE IONESCO’s THE CHAIRS at 6th Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa. A change in the Studio Theater season line-up has been announced. Eugene Ionesco's absurdist comedy, The Chairs, will replace Frozen as the last show of the 6th Street Playhouse Studio season. 6th Street Playhouse is excited to welcome to our theater two of the areas finest veteran actors, Eliot Fintushel and Elizabeth Fuller, who will be joining 6th Street Playhouse for the first time under the direction of David Lear. The Chairs filled Broadway's Golden Theater with wall-to-wall laughter during Simon McBurney's 1997 revival, garnering six Tony Award nominations. The Chairs opens March 19 and runs through April 11, 2010 in the Studio Theater. There will not be a performance on Easter, April 4, 2010. http://www.6thstreetplayhouse.com/home-old/article/article/47/270Reviewed in the March 31, 2010 Bohemian, p.22.

April 11, 2010. ANNUAL SPRING CELEBRATION AND SWISS SENIORS’ BIRTHDAY PARTY. The Swiss Benevolent Society of San Francisco is hosting its Annual Spring Celebration and cordially invites you to spread the word to family and friends. Their traditional gift baskets will be handed to the oldest lady and gentleman who have not received one previously, as well as to those in attendance who celebrate their 90th or 100th birthday this year. Live music will be provided by Tony Rayman's Edelweiss Band. Additional excitement from Alphorn Surprise and a raffle with great new prizes. Please mail reservation and check to arrive no later than March 31, 2010, to: Melanie Facen, 30 Golden Hinde Blvd., San Rafael, CA 94903 - Tel. (415) 492-0470 Swiss Benevolent Society San Francisco The Annual Spring Celebration and Swiss Seniors' Birthday Party Sunday, April 11, 2010 Swiss Park in Newark (I-880 to Mowry West Exit) 11:30 AM No-Host Bar & Refreshments 12:30 PM Gourmet Lunch $27.00 for SBS Members $33.00 for Guests FREE for Swiss Seniors over 70 and Children under 5.

April 12, 2010. THE HISTORY AND DIVERSITY OF MEDITERRANEAN JEWRIES. A lecture by PAULA DACCARETT. Sonoma State University Jewish Studies Program Spring 2010 Lecture Series, 7pm, The Cooperage, SSU Campus, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. 707.664.3293 or http://www.sonoma.edu/jewishstudies for details.

April 14, 2010. FRENCH TEACHER WORKSHOP & TRAINING, 4:30-7:30. The training will take place in the French classroom here at St Helena High School, Vintage Hall, 465 Main Street, Saint Helena. The cost will be $10. (Payment in cash would be helpful) The workshop will be conducted in French and will focus on how to incorporate the use of various media sources into your curriculum. The presenter is from CLEMI (Centre de liaison de l'enseignement et des médias d'information) in Paris. The training is sponsored by the office of Monsieur Ivan Bertoux, Attaché culturel adjoint, Consulate General of France, San Francisco. So that we may have an idea of how many teachers to expect, please RSVP to confirm your participation. I will respond with more precise directions to the school. I hope that this activity will not only serve as a source for useful information for our class curriculum but also an enjoyable experience to network and enjoy each others' fellowship. For those interested, it has been suggested that we go out to eat at one of the French restaurants after. Bouchon and Bistro Jeanty, while not bargain restaurants, are certainly very enjoyable. Merci à l'avance de votre participation. Michael Wrenn, (707) 967-2740 ext. 2185 or mwrenn@sthelena.k12.ca.us

April 14, 2010. DISCOVER LOIRE VALLEE. The winemakers of the Loire Vallee invite you to taste the beauty of the region as expressed through the diversity of its wine.
Please note, this tasting is open to trade only, business card is required to enter.
1pm-5pm. Contact: Carole Granade, Executive Director, French American Chamber of Commerce, 415.442.4717 or http://www.faccsf.com for details.

April 15, 2010. CERCLE LITTERAIRE DE L’ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE DE SANTA ROSA discusses NO ET MOI de DELPHINE DE GIVAN. Led by RAYMOND LEMIEUX.info@afsantarosa.org for details.

April 15, 2010. YANN TIERSEN at Great American Music Hall, San Francisco. Tickets on sale. Location: Great American Music Hall, 859 O'Farrell Street, San Francisco http://gamh.com/

April 16 & 17, 2010. ACTIVATING THE MEDIUM FESTIVAL AT THE LAB. Each year, the San Francisco-based sound art organization 23five Incorporated curates "Activating The Medium", a festival based on a specific theme that underscores the connectivity between artists and their methods and materials. In previous years, "Activating The Medium" explored sound ecology, audio mimesis, and the relationship between sound and architecture. For the 13th annual festival at The Lab, 23five chose ice as the theme-the physical, geographic, metaphoric, and mythological attributes of ice manifested through sound. Performers include Cheryl E. Leonard (San Francisco), Pedestrian Deposit (Los Angeles), Joshua Churchill (San Francisco), Adam Sonderberg (Berkeley), Rale (Los Angeles), and Jesse Burson (Alameda), and Zurich-based G*Park, who rarely appears live. This is G*Park's first ever California performance. Activating the Medium Festival The Lab 2948 16th St. San Francisco, CA 94103 Friday, April 16th - Saturday, April 17th, 2010, 8:30 p.m. With the support of the Swiss Arts Council, Pro Helvetia.

April 16-18, 2010. SOMA SPRING OPEN STUDIOS, including work by MARTINE JARDEL! Join Us for a very special event! 30+ Artists will be displaying their work at SOMA Artist Studios Wine Tasting provided by: Hume Sances Winery Food provided by: Herb'n Palete Chef, Paul Plotkin biscuit boy Chef, Van Dao. 30+ Artists will be displaying their work in an incredible variety of media, including ceramics, collage, glass, drawing, furniture, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, textiles, and more. LOCATION: SOMA Artists Studios, 689 Bryant St. @ 5th Please join us April 16th-18th in the bright and sunny South of Market (SOMA) neighborhood, to view a multitude of artists within walking distance. The studios are easy to get to by walking, bicycling or by public transportation. All featured studios are close to the Cal Trainstation and only a few blocks from Market St. BART stations. Several MUNI bus routes run to the neighborhood including the 9, 10, 12, 15,27, 30, 45, 47 and metro lines N and T. Nearby street parking is available. Where & When: April 16th 6pm-9pm Reception April 17th & 18th 11:00am-6:00pm. www.somaartiststudios.wordpress.com

April 16-24, 2010. SUNNY MEMORIES EXHIBITION. Sunny Memories exhibition and related events. Our third collaboration with EPFL+ECAL Lab presents groundbreaking design based on new solar cell technology invented in Switzerland by EPFL's Michael Graetzel. The exhibition will be at CCA's Wattis Institute for Contemporary Arts from April 16th through April 24th, and an event celebrating the exhibition will take place at CCA on April 22nd. swissnex San Francisco will host a scientific conference on dye-sensitized solar cells on April 21st. http://swissnexSanFrancisco.org

Through April 17, 2010. MARK TWAIN’S IS HE DEAD? Adapted by DAVID IVES. North Bay Premiere. Starving artist JEAN-FRANÇOIS MILLET isn't famous - yet! To inflate his art’s value he fakes his own death and returns as his twin. His twin sister, that is! Can he pull it off? Find out in Twain’s side-splitting farce. Directed by Elizabeth Craven & Barton Smith. Starring *Nick Sholley (with a premiere appearance by his twin sister Nikki), with Anthony Abate, Gene Abravaya, Jenna Hoff, Arnold House, Elly Lichenstein, *Laura Lowry, Chris Murphy, James Pelican, *Mark Robinson & Ann Woodhead Presale: $25 General & $20 Senior/Student. At the Door: $28 General & $22 Sen/Stu. *Member of Actors Equity, the Union of Professional Actors. Call the Box Office at 707.763.8920 or buy online at www.cinnabartheater.org or http://www.cinnabartheater.org/0910/cinnabar.is.he.dead.html

April 17, 2010. STORM OVER MOROCCO, by FRANK ROMANO. Book Signing/Presentation. Borders, 1pm – 7 pm, 2825 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, CA. It is a true story about a desperate escape from an Islamic sect which wrongly accused the author of being a Zionist spy in 1978 and tried for sabotage, a capital crime, by an extremist Islamic group in Morocco. While traveling across Africa searching for a universal religion, I was invited to study Islam in a mosque in Casablanca, Morocco; it turned out to be controlled by a militant Moslem group which promptly imprisoned me. The 3rd Edition includes new chapter on recent meeting with Militant Palestinians West Bank refugee camp. Contact: frankfro@aol.com/ or www.frankromano363.blogspot.com/ or www.frankromano363.com Tel.US : 917-653-7649 / Tel. Paris: 011 336 2435 6659 Frank Romano, PhD Sorbonne University, Paris, Tenured professor at the University of Paris, Member of California and Marseille Bars.

April 18, 19 & 20, 2010. FRENCH ILLUSTRATOR JOELLE JOLIVET. French illustrator Joelle Jolivet will be presenting her work to several schools in the Bay Area, and participate in two book signing sessions. She will also give a lecture at the California Center for the Arts. Sunday, April 18, 2:00pm: Book signing at Book passage in Corte Madera Illustrator Joëlle Jolivet reads from and talks about Oops! http://www.bookpassage.com/index.php; Monday, April 19 at 3:00pm: book signing of Oops! at Hicklebee's San Jose; Location: Hicklebee's San Jose, 1378 Lincoln Avenue, San Jose, CA http://www.hicklebees.com/ Monday, April 19 at 7:30pm: Talk at the California College of the Arts. Joelle Jolivet will present her work. Location: CCA, 1111 Eighth Street, San Francisco, CA Supported by the Cultural services and the French American Cultural Society.

April 19, 2010. THE ONE ALL ALONE. The U.S. Première of The One All Alone, by Dutch director Frank Scheffer, explores the life and work of the ground-breaking French-American composer Edgard Varèse (1883-1965). The documentary,which was shot on location in New Mexico, New York, the Netherlands, France and China, includes rare footage of Varèse, plus interviews with Pierre Boulez, Elliott Carter, and composer Chou Wen-chung. Location: Sundance Kabuki Theater, 1881 Post Street, San Francisco. 7:30pm.

April 19, 2010. PERSEPOLIS screens at the MONDAVI CENTER. PERSEPOLIS by Vincent Parannaud and Marjane Satrapi will play at the Mondavi Center as part of their "Graphic Novel Theme" Focus on Film series.* In the last 25 years, the graphic novel has come into its own as a respected art form, supplying the reader with the traditional beginning, middle, and end novel format juxtaposed against the raw visual aesthetic of classic comic books. In the second half of the Mondavi Center’s 2009-10 season, the Focus on Film series looks at a remake of a different kind, featuring three films inspired by seminal graphic novels. The last two films are *Ghost World* and* Persepolis*. 6PM | Vanderhoef Studio Theatre The English version of the beautifully animated French film about growing up in pre-revolutionary and revolutionary Iran, with voicings by Sean Penn and Gena Rowlands. A touching coming-of-age story, *Persepolis* provides a glimpse into the life of adolescence in pre-revolutionary and revolutionary Iran. *Persepolis* was nominated for the Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film in 2008. It won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 2007. *Ticket for each film - Regular: $10.00 / Student: $5.00 More info here! <http://www.mondaviarts.org/events/event.cfm?event_id=840&season=2009>

April 19-21, 2010. ON TRACK TO THE FUTURE: SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORATION ROAD SHOW. Partnering with ThinkSwiss, the Consulates General of Switzerland in San Francisco and Los Angeles have launched a Sustainable Transportation Road Show for the month of April. Inspired by Switzerland's exhibition "On Track to the Future - Sustainable Transportation: a Challenge for the 21st Century," the series travels up and down the West Coast, asking how Swiss transportation solutions can inform the unique and dynamic transit landscape of the American West. Featuring planning experts, scholars, and transportation experts from Switzerland and the US, these events are sure to inform and inspire participants about the future of transportation. LOCATIONS: swissnex San Francisco April 19, 6:30 p.m. 730 Montgomery Street, San Francisco Speakers: Gregor Saladin, Swiss Federal Office of Transport; Elizabeth Deakin, professor of city and regional planning and urban design at UC Berkeley. Moderated by WIRED Magazine's Rachel Swaby. Registration: http://www.swissnexsanfrancisco.org/Ourwork/events/ontrackforthefuture UC Davis April 20, 10:00 a.m. 1065 Kemper Hall Speakers : Profs. Susan Handy, Pat Mokhtarian, Geoff Straw of UC Davis; Gregor Saladin; senior representatives of Davis and Sacramento Transit Authorities. The Exploratorium April 21, 4:00 p.m. McBean Theatre 3601 Lyon Street, San Francisco Speakers: Timothy Papandreou, SFMTA Deputy Director for Transportation Planning; Gregor Saladin; Andy Thornley, San Francisco Bicycle Coalition; representative of the San Francisco Department of the Environment RSVP is mandatory: Please contact Michaël Sapin, michael.sapin@eda.admin.ch or 415.788.2272 ext. 107.

Through April 20, 2010. PRIVATE LIVES: THE FILMS OF ALAIN CAVALIER at Pacific Film Archive. A protégé of Louis Malle, whom he assisted on Elevator to the Gallows and The Lovers, Cavalier (b. 1931) began his career in the early sixties with films that, although they took on challenging political themes, were relatively traditional in method: they had narrative scripts, professional crews, and trained actors. Over the years, he has moved away not only from overt politics and fictional storytelling but from anything resembling conventional methods of production. His works of the past decade are acutely personal and resolutely small-scale - the better to capture the fullness of life, in all its detail. Schedule: PORTRAITS, Wednesday, March 31, 7:00 p.m. (Alain Cavalier, France, 1988-92, 88 mins); LE COMBAT DANS L’ILE. Saturday, April 3, 8:30 p.m. (Alain Cavalier, France, 1962, 104 mins) "Not to be missed." - Village Voice LA RENCONTRE. Wednesday, April 14, 7:00 p.m. (Alain Cavalier, France, 1996, 74 mins) THERESE. Friday, April 16, 7:00 p.m. (Alain Cavalier, France, 1986, 108 mins). With short Lettre d'Alain Cavalier. LIEUX SAINTS. Tuesday, April 20, 7:00 p.m. (Alain Cavalier, France, 2007, 87 mins). Supported by the Cultural Services http://www.bampfa.berkeley.edu/

April 22, 2010. WRITER JEAN-PHILIPPE TOUSSAINT speaks in San Francisco and Berkeley. Lecture at San Francisco State University, Department of French, 12:35pm. Lecture at UC Berkeley, Department of French, 5:00pm. Born in Brussels, the son of a journalist and a bookkeeper, Jean-Philippe Toussaint studied in Paris where he received an advanced degree in contemporary history from Sciences Po. He taught in Algeria from 1982 to 1984. His first novel, La Salle de bain, was hailed both by critics and the public who appreciated his incisive and uncluttered style in depicting his universe with a great economy of words. Toussaint will present his last book Running Away published by Dalkey Archive. Supported by the French Cultural Services.

April 24, 2010. FIFTH PENINSULA FRENCH FAIR. The fifth Peninsula French Fair is returning to Saratoga on Saturday, April 24th to offer an exciting experience filled with culture, music and French traditions. This year for the first time in addition to its usual French gourmet food, vendors and artists, the fair will also offer an educational forum of conferences. The leading subject will be French-American bi-culturalism in history, companies, and our daily lives. Part of the proceeds of the French Fair goes to a local non-profit “Partners for New Generations” which provide mentors and tutors for children. Joan Pisani Community Center, 19655 Allendale Ave., Saratoga. For more information or to showcase at our event, please contact Catherine Plottier or Elisabeth michel-Meyrueix at frenchfair@gmail.com or http://www.frenchfair.org.

April 27-May 1, 2009. BUTOH MEETS BOUFFE: FRENCH COMEDY AND CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE THEATRE, performed by the Conservatory Theatre Ensemble of Tamalpais High School. 700 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley. 415.388.3292 or http://www.tamhigh.org for details.

April 28, 2010. THE FRENCH-AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE presents HOW TO DO BUSINESS IN MEXICO. The French American Chamber of Commerce invites you for a presentation of the Mexican market and networking meeting with the Franco Mexican Chamber of Commerce. Come and listen to Julie Riotte, the CEO of the French Mexican Chamber.
5pm. Contact: Carole Granade, Executive Director, French American Chamber of Commerce, 415.442.4717 or http://www.faccsf.com for details.

April 29, 2010. EXCEPTIONAL SCREENING of LE COUPERET (THE AX) by Costa-Gavras at the Crest Theatre in Sacramento. Enjoy an entertaining and thought provoking film, fantastic bubbly wine, an insightful post-screening discussion and make it possible for the SFFF to remain a first class event at a reasonable price! Based on the novel by celebrated novelist Donald E. Westlake - a Grand Master of the Mystery Writers of America Society - *Le Couperet* (2005) is a dark social comedy & thriller that tells the topical story of a middle-aged chemist (the remarkable deadpan comic José Garcia) who, after having been fired following the merger of his company and having remained unemployed for three years, decides to improve his chances on the job market by literally eliminating his competitors… *Le Couperet*, nominated for 2 French César Awards in 2006, was never released in the U.S. Park Chan-wook (*Thirst*), one of Korea’s best directors, will direct a remake of this amoral tale in 2011. *$15 in advance / $20 at the door.* Ticket includes film, reception and post-screening discussion with our favorite Kevin Elstob, Professor of French at CSU-Sacramento. Advance Tickets available at no fee at the Crest Theatre or by mail order. *Watch the trailer here!* <http://www.sacramentofrenchfilmfestival.org/movie2010couperet.htm>

BREATH MADE VISIBLE: SCREENINGS AND EVENTS. Swiss filmmaker RUEDI GERBER returns to the Bay Area with his award-winning film Breath Made Visible. The moving, insightful portrait of dance/performance pioneer Anna Halprin features appearances from the late Merce Cunningham, among others, and won accolades at 2009's Mill Valley and Locarno Film Festivals. Don't miss this chance to see Ms. Halprin, a living legend, live on stage! April 2-8, 2010 Roxie Theater San Francisco http://www.roxie.com/ Anna Halprin and director Ruedi Gerber in person following the 6:45pm and 8:30pm shows on April 2 April 2-8, 2010 Elmwood Theater Berkeley, CA http://www.rialtocinemas.com/index.php?location=elmwood Anna Halprin and director Ruedi Gerber in person at the 7pm and 9:30pm shows on April 3 April 2-8, 2010 Rafael Film Center San Rafael, CA http://www.cafilm.org/ Anna Halprin and director Ruedi Gerber in person following the 4:15pm show on April 4. April 2-8, 2010.

LE COUPERET (THE AX) by Costa-Gavras at the Crest Theatre in Sacramento. Enjoy an entertaining and thought provoking film, fantastic bubbly wine, an insightful post-screening discussion and make it possible for the SFFF to remain a first class event at a reasonable price! Based on the novel by celebrated novelist Donald E. Westlake - a Grand Master of the Mystery Writers of America Society - *Le Couperet* (2005) is a dark social comedy & thriller that tells the topical story of a middle-aged chemist (the remarkable deadpan comic José Garcia) who, after having been fired following the merger of his company and having remained unemployed for three years, decides to improve his chances on the job market by literally eliminating his competitors… *Le Couperet*, nominated for 2 French César Awards in 2006, was never released in the U.S. Park Chan-wook (*Thirst*), one of Korea’s best directors, will direct a remake of this amoral tale in 2011. *$15 in advance / $20 at the door.* Ticket includes film, reception and post-screening discussion with our favorite Kevin Elstob, Professor of French at CSU-Sacramento. Advance Tickets available at no fee at the Crest Theatre or by mail order. *Watch the trailer here!* <http://www.sacramentofrenchfilmfestival.org/movie2010couperet.htm> April 29, 2010.

INDIA SONG, part of Yerba Buena Center for the Arts’ THE WORD AND THE IMAGE: THE FILMS OF MARGUERITE DURAS. 701 Mission (at 3rd), SF. 415.978.2787 or http://www.ybca.org for details. April 1, 2010.

LE JOLI MAI. Chris Marker's Le Joli Mai at SFMOMA. Poetry Thursday April 1, 7:00pm. (Dir. Chris Marker and Pierre Lhomme, 1963, 16mm black and white) Brand new print! Filmed in the same year as La Jetée, Le Joli mai is one of Chris Marker's great but lesser known essay films. Mixing voice-over commentary with a series of interviews with Parisians from all walks of life, it moves between questions about personal happiness and questions of national and global politics - from the new consumerism to the French-Algerian War that had just ended, union organizing, women's rights, and colonial relationships. But Le Joli mai is also love song to Paris and its inhabitants, their customs, foibles, and contradictions. Provocative interviews are intertwined with Marker's inimitable commentary, at once tender and ironic, to portray a specific juncture of history -May 1962- from the point of view of the "sum of solitudes" that make up his voluble city. -Irina Leimbacher Location: San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Phyllis Wattis Theater, 151 Third Street, San Francisco http://www.sfmoma.org/events/1609April 1, 2010.

THE ONE ALL ALONE. The U.S. Première of The One All Alone, by Dutch director Frank Scheffer, explores the life and work of the ground-breaking French-American composer Edgard Varèse (1883-1965). The documentary,which was shot on location in New Mexico, New York, the Netherlands, France and China, includes rare footage of Varèse, plus interviews with Pierre Boulez, Elliott Carter, and composer Chou Wen-chung. Location: Sundance Kabuki Theater, 1881 Post Street, San Francisco. 7:30pm. April 19, 2010.

PERSEPOLIS screens at the MONDAVI CENTER. PERSEPOLIS by Vincent Parannaud and Marjane Satrapi will play at the Mondavi Center as part of their "Graphic Novel Theme" Focus on Film series.* In the last 25 years, the graphic novel has come into its own as a respected art form, supplying the reader with the traditional beginning, middle, and end novel format juxtaposed against the raw visual aesthetic of classic comic books. In the second half of the Mondavi Center’s 2009-10 season, the Focus on Film series looks at a remake of a different kind, featuring three films inspired by seminal graphic novels. The last two films are *Ghost World* and* Persepolis*. 6PM | Vanderhoef Studio Theatre The English version of the beautifully animated French film about growing up in pre-revolutionary and revolutionary Iran, with voicings by Sean Penn and Gena Rowlands. A touching coming-of-age story, *Persepolis* provides a glimpse into the life of adolescence in pre-revolutionary and revolutionary Iran. *Persepolis* was nominated for the Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film in 2008. It won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 2007. *Ticket for each film - Regular: $10.00 / Student: $5.00 More info here! <http://www.mondaviarts.org/events/event.cfm?event_id=840&season=2009> April 19, 2010.

PRIVATE LIVES: THE FILMS OF ALAIN CAVALIER at Pacific Film Archive. A protégé of Louis Malle, whom he assisted on Elevator to the Gallows and The Lovers, Cavalier (b. 1931) began his career in the early sixties with films that, although they took on challenging political themes, were relatively traditional in method: they had narrative scripts, professional crews, and trained actors. Over the years, he has moved away not only from overt politics and fictional storytelling but from anything resembling conventional methods of production. His works of the past decade are acutely personal and resolutely small-scale - the better to capture the fullness of life, in all its detail. Schedule: PORTRAITS, Wednesday, March 31, 7:00 p.m. (Alain Cavalier, France, 1988-92, 88 mins); LE COMBAT DANS L’ILE. Saturday, April 3, 8:30 p.m. (Alain Cavalier, France, 1962, 104 mins) "Not to be missed." - Village Voice LA RENCONTRE. Wednesday, April 14, 7:00 p.m. (Alain Cavalier, France, 1996, 74 mins) THERESE. Friday, April 16, 7:00 p.m. (Alain Cavalier, France, 1986, 108 mins). With short Lettre d'Alain Cavalier. LIEUX SAINTS. Tuesday, April 20, 7:00 p.m. (Alain Cavalier, France, 2007, 87 mins). Supported by the Cultural Services http://www.bampfa.berkeley.edu/March 31-April 20, 2010.

UN PROPHETE / A PROPHET. (Jacques Audiard) At the Rafael Film Center. Winner of the Grand Prix at Cannes and also France's official submission for Academy Award consideration, this powerful drama from filmmaker Jacques Audiard (Read My Lips, The Beat That My Heart Skipped) focuses on Malik (Tahar Rahim), part Arab, part Corsican, who begins a French prison sentence a naïve and illiterate young man. Manohla Dargis in The New York Times calls it "A sensational prison film and moral history... The film tells the story of one person that eventually becomes a story of an entire world ordered by violence." http://www.sonyclassics.com/aprophet
Bay Area theaters, including Smith-Rafael, San Rafael (through March 31); Embarcadero, SF; Shattuck, Berkeley.

ALSO NOTE: ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE DE SAN FRANCISCO CINEMATHEQUE. Second & Fourth Wednesdays of the month, 7pm. Enjoy the latest releases from France sur le grand ecran with AFSF ciné-philes and discussion en français. Straight from the AFSF Médiathèque. Visit http://www.afsf.com for updates on featured films. Suggested donation of $5.

ART

Now open: CARTIER AND AMERICA. Marking Cartier’s 100 years in the United States, this exhibition covers the history of the House of Cartier from its first great successes as the “king of jewelers and jeweler to kings” during the Belle Epoque through the 1960s and 1970s, when Cartier supplied celebrities of the day with their jewels and Tank watches. With an extensive variety of jewelry forms – ranging from traditional white diamond suites to the highly colored exotic creations of the 1920s and 1930s – Cartier made its mark with the ingenuity of its designs and its exquisite craftsmanship. Derived mainly from the private collection of Cartier, the spectacular array of objects includes jewelry of the Gilded Age and Art Deco periods as well as freestanding works of art such as the famous Mystery Clocks. California Palace of the Legion of Honor, Lincoln Park, 34th & Clement (100 34th Ave), San Francisco. 415.750.3600 or http://www.famsf.org for details.

April 1-May 15, 2010. PARIS CAPTURED. "If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast." - Ernest Hemingway The invention of the postcard in 1869 sparked a communication revolution equal to the birth of email in our own day. The postcard industry boomed in fashionable Paris, with Parisians and tourists alike enthralled by this quick, informal way of sending messages and hand-tinted photographs of the city they loved. At the turn of the century, France was producing one million cartes postalesa day. Castle in the Air invites you to view a Paris captured at the height of this golden age. Berkeley collector Leonard Pitt shares over 70 postcards showing life in the city's boulevards, streets, shops, dance halls, and cafés. Pitt's accompanying notes take viewers on the ultimate nostalgia trip, revealing social and architectural details of a Paris that has, for the most part, vanished. Leonard Pitt is the bestselling author of Walks Through Lost Paris, Paris Postcards: The Golden Age, and the forthcoming Paris: A Journey Through Time. He will give a talk and book signing at the Paris Captured opening reception the evening of April 7. "A Studio for the Imagination," Castle in the Air's shop and classroom have inspired local and visiting artists since 2001. Castle in the Air's new gallery in the upstairs loft quite literally takes the inspiration to new heights and provides a venue to showcase current and historical works. Gallery open 12 - 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday Reception, book signing, and illustrated talk by Leonard Pitt Wednesday, April 7, 6 p.m. Castle in the Air, 1805 Fourth Street, Berkeley, Calif. 94710 (510) 204-9801, www.castleintheair.biz

Through April 15, 2010. VISUAL ART: MONIKA STEINER. Prolific Bay Area Swiss artist Monika Steiner, without whom no cultural calendar would be complete, is involved in two local events in the next month: a solo exhibition at the upscale SOMA Grand building and an benefit art auction at Sonoma State University, with proceeds goint to the SSU gallery. SOMA Grand 1160 Mission Street San Francisco January 15 - April 15 http://www.somagrand.com/ Art from the Heart Auction University Art Gallery Sonoma State University February 13, 6 - 9 p.m. 1801 East Cotati Avenue Rohnert Park, CA www.sonoma.edu/artgallery/ To keep up with Monika, visit. www.monikasteiner.net

April 16-24, 2010. SUNNY MEMORIES EXHIBITION. Sunny Memories exhibition and related events. Our third collaboration with EPFL+ECAL Lab presents groundbreaking design based on new solar cell technology invented in Switzerland by EPFL's Michael Graetzel. The exhibition will be at CCA's Wattis Institute for Contemporary Arts from April 16th through April 24th, and an event celebrating the exhibition will take place at CCA on April 22nd. swissnex San Francisco will host a scientific conference on dye-sensitized solar cells on April 21st. http://swissnexSanFrancisco.org

Through April 30, 2010. TAKE YOUR TIME: PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION BY JULIETTE TINNUS at 456 Montgomery. Bay Area Swiss photographer and stylist Juliette Tinnus will be opening the latest incarnation of her show Take Your Time here at 456 Montgomery Street next Tuesday, March 2. Juliette fashions the strange, beautiful worlds she photographs by hand from physical objects--the only work done on the computer is to eliminate the tiny strings that keep her constructions in place. Don't miss the opportunity to see these quirky, ineffably modern still lifes in person! Guests are welcome at an opening reception on Tuesday, March 2, 6 - 8 p.m. RSVP required: write to michael.sapin@eda.admin.ch by Monday to reserve your place. Take Your Time: Juliette Tinnus Photography Exhibition 456 Montgomery Street, Lobby San Francisco, CA March 1 - April 30 To view the exhibition, contact michael.sapin@eda.admin.ch to make a reservation.

Through April 30, 2010. LONGING FOR SEA CHANGE. A series of video installations by contemporary artists living and working in Africa addressing issues of upheaval, fragmentation and transition. Cantor Arts Center, Lomita Drive at Museum Way, Stanford University, Palo Alto. 650.723.4177 or http://www.museum.stanford.edu for details.

Through May 1, 2010. MARC RIBOUD PHOTOGRAPHS. North Gate Hall, UC-Berkeley. Closed Sundays. 510.642.3383 or http://www.journalism.berkeley.edu for details. Reviewed in the Tuesday, March 16, 2010 San Francisco Chronicle Datebook.

Through May 2, 2010. LUC TUYMANS. Belgian painter exhibits his works at San Francisco Museum of Modern Art; the only West Coast show of his retrospective. SFMOMA, 151 Third, SF. http://www.sfmoma.org or 415.357.4000 for details.

Through May 2, 2010. RHYTHM AND HUES: CLOTH AND CULTURE OF MALI at the San Francisco Museum of Craft and Folk Art. Mali, in West Africa, is home to more fiber artists and designers than most other countries. See examples of the bright colors and complex graphics in the textiles from this region. The exhibit also addresses social issues facing women. 415.227.4888 or http://mocfa.org for details.

Through May 16, 2010. DESIGNERS ON JEWELRY – EXHIBITION AT SAN FRANCISCO MUSEUM OF CRAFT+DESIGN. Twelve years ago, Dutch jewelry and product designer, Gijs Bakker began a dialogue with designers about jewelry and its place in the modern world. Moving past the conventional concept of simple decoration and an investment in gold or stones, the goal was to redefine the value of jewelry by the fineness of the idea, not the materials. This exhibit presents the conversation that has followed with over fifty artists, including three from Switzerland. Chi a paura...? Jewelry Exhibition San Francisco Museum of Craft+Design 550 Sutter Street San Francisco, CA January 15, 2010 - May 16, 2010 For information on the exhibition and several related event, visit: http://sfmcd.org/

Through May 22, 2010. GEOGRAPHY OF TRANSTERRITORIES. Presented by SWISSNEX. San Francisco Art Institute, Walter and McBean galleries Geography of Transterritories gathers artists from France (the cooperatives Claire Fontaine and Société réaliste), Switzerland (Ursula Biemann) and from the United States (Carlos Motta and Michael Arcega). The exhibition addresses those issues of transborder conflict that are profoundly changing global modes of production, communication, and space/time organization. Location: San Francisco Art Institute, 800 Chestnut Street, San Francisco. Supported by Culturesfrance. http://activeweb.sfai.edu/academics/exhibitions/ or http://www.swissnexsanfrancisco.org for details.

May 22-September 6, 2010. BIRTH OF IMPRESSIONISM: MASTERPIECES FROM THE MUSEE D’ORSAY. 100 paintings. Among paintings by naturalist artists such as Bougereau and Courbet, there is the American expatriate James McNeil Whistler's "Arrangement in Gray and Black," a.k.a. "Whistler’s Mother." There are early work by Manet, Monet, Renoir and Sisley, and a selection of Degas’ paintings that depict images of the ballet and the racetrack. De Young Museum, Golden Gate Park. http://www.famsf.org/deyoung/

May 22-September 6, 2010. IMPRESSIONIST PARIS: CITY OF LIGHT. Palace of the Legion of Honor, Lincoln Park, 34th & Clement, SF. 415.750.3600 or http://www.famsf.org for details.

Through May 31, 2010. FRENCH FILM POSTERS FROM THE BAM/PFA COLLECTION. UC Berkeley Art Museum, 2626 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. 510.642.0808 or http://www.bampfa.berkeley.edu for details.

Through June 8, 2010. NOTRE COMBAT. Works by LINDA ELLIA. An extraordinary exhibition and first North American showing of Our Struggle: Responding to Mein Kampf, based on a collective artwork and book titled Notre Combat (Our Struggle, in English). The book and exhibition are the result of French painter and photographer, Linda Ellia’s, encounter with a copy of Mein Kampf in 2005. The book’s weight in her hands embodied the heaviness of the Holocaust; she felt compelled to respond. After personally altering a number of the pages to express her anger, she invited hundreds of people from all over the world to paint, draw, sculpt, and collage directly on the pages of the book. On view in the exhibition will be 600 of these altered pages from a multitude of participants from artists, writers, poets, musicians, film makers, journalists, victims, students, and Jews from as many as 17 different countries. The hundreds of pages in the exhibition offer a remarkable display of different artistic styles and present a multiplicity of voices and perspectives ranging from angry to mournful to hopeful. Creativity emerges from tragedy in this riveting exhibition of the altered pages, reminding us that the hatred, bigotry, intolerance, and discrimination inscribed in Hitler’s book must never be repeated. Contemporary Jewish Museum, 736 Mission, SF. 415.655.7800 or http://www.thecjm.org for details.

Through June 20, 2010. GLOBAL LIVES. Multimedia Exhibition Global Lives at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, UC Berkeley. YBCA presents the world premiere of the Global Lives Project, an innovative video installation featuring documentaries that capture 24 hours in the lives of ten people from around the world who represent the diversity of the global population. Working with acclaimed filmmakers, artists and designers, Global Lives assembles the realities of everyday life from Lebanon, Serbia, China, India, Japan, Malawi, Indonesia, Brazil, Kazakhstan and San Francisco into an installation by architectural and design visionaries of Sand Studios and FOURM design+build+educate. Swiss cinematographer Marco Lüthy is responsible for the Kazakhstan segment of the exhibition. YBCA will mark the opening of this innovative exhibition with one of their renowned Big Idea parties, free of charge. Global Lives Project February 26 - June 20 Yerba Buena Center for the Arts 701 Mission Street (at 3rd) San Francisco http://www.ybca.org/ Global Lives Project Opening Night Celebration Friday, February 26, 7:30-11:30 p.m. YBCA Room for Big Ideas, Grand Lobby & Forum FREE If the exhibition sparks your interest to learn more, dive deeper into the philosophy, aesthetics, and politics of the Global Lives Project the following Saturday with a series of panel discussions on the project at UC Berkeley. Marco Lüthy will take part in the forum. Global Lives Project Forum at UC-Berkeley February 27, 9 a.m. --5:30 p.m. University of California, Berkeley Drop in anytime, registration 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Geballe and Seminar Rooms in the Doreen B. Townsend Center for the Humanities 220 Stephens Hall Gifford Anthropology Seminar Room (2nd Floor, Kroeber Hall) FREE Contact nick@ybca.org for directions and further information Sponsored by the Consulate General of Switzerland in San Francisco.

September 25, 2010-January 18, 2011. VAN GOGH, GAUGUIN, CÉZANNE AND BEYOND: POST-IMPRESSIONIST MASTERPIECES FROM THE MUSEE D’ORSAY. This second of two exhibitions presents some of the most famous late Impressionist paintings including those by Monet and Renoir, followed by the more individualistic styles of the early modern masters including Cèzanne, Gauguin, Lautrec and van Gogh, plus works by Pointillists Seurat and Signac. De Young Museum, Golden Gate Park. http://www.famsf.org/deyoung/

On-going. A NEW 19TH CENTURY : THE MONDAVI FAMILY GALLERY REINSTALLED. Reconfigured 19th century European and American collections. Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University. Lomita Drive and Museum Way, Stanford University, Palo Alto. 650.723.4177 or http://museum.stanford.edu for details.

On-going. MODERN EUROPEAN MASTERS, including MATISSE, PICASSO, CHAGALL and more. Meyerovich Gallery, 251 Post, SF. 415.421.7171 or http://meyerovich.com for details.

On-going. MATISSE AND BEYOND: THE PAINTING AND SCULPTURE COLLECTION. SF Museum of Modern Art. Magnificent works of painting and sculpture culled from SFMOMA's own collections provide a quick tour of modern art from Fauvism to Minimalism. Daily. Exhibition tells the story of modern and contemporary art including landmark works by MATISSE, BOURGEOIS and others. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, 151 Third St., San Francisco. 415.357.4000 or www.sfmoma.org

DOMINIQUE AMENDOLA. New art website of note (fun to browse): Dominique Amendola is a French born painter who focuses primarily on landscapes and figures using gorgeously vibrant colors to create scenes of amazing clarity. Her art is figurative yet remains contemporary and spur of the moment. Her paintings depict ordinary day-to-day life of people in snapshots, either in nature or life in a bustling city. http://dominiqueamendola.com

ARTS OF FASHION. Yearly competition brings guest designers from PARIS and BRUXELLES to work with and select prizes for United States fashion students. The grand prizes offered to the US fashion students are internships in high profile fashion design houses as Castelbajac or Anne Valerie Hash or the school of the Chambre syndicale in Paris... Or Brussels for La Cambre or Antwerp for Veronique Branquinho or Vienna for Wendy&Jim... Contact: Nathalie Doucet, President Arts of Fashion Foundation, 635 Tennessee Street Suite # 402, San Francisco CA 94107. Tel 415 252 0734 http://www.af-competition.com or http://www.myspace.com/artsoffashion

FLORENCE DE BRETAGNE. Florence de Bretagne is a French painter and photographer. Her work is full of joy and very colorful. It has always something to do with new life : imaginary plants that are flourishing, blossoms, seeds. It seems that nature is new and beautiful like new-born babies. She took abstract pictures of fruits and vegetables (a very poetic book, "Semence", is still available), she made paintings on trees and imaginary plants, and many others. You can see her work either in the SFMOMA gallery at Fort Mason, or in her atelier (756 Garland Drive in Palo Alto), or else on her website : http://www.florencedebretagne.com

June 17-27, 2010. LANDSCAPE PAINTING IN SOUTHWESTERN FRANCE. Love Art? Love France? Experience the Best of Both! Consider attending a ten day painting class in southwestern France. Our daily painting excursions will take you to the unspoiled villages, market towns and rolling farmland of the Dordogne and Lot Valleys. We'll visit bastide towns such as Saint Cirq la Popie, colorful market towns such as Sarlat, and the famous pilgrimage site of Rocamador. We'll have an opportunity to see where painting began with a visit to the 15,000 year old cave paintings of Pech Merle.Paint for ten weeks in the beautiful Languedoc region of southwestern France. We will be based at Le Vieux Couvent, a beautiful restored 17th century convent located in the tiny hamlet of Fraysinette. Fee $3,450 (SO) with private bath and $3,250 (SO) with shared bath, includes 10 nights' lodging, all breakfasts, 4 course dinners with aperitif andwine, instruction, transportation to painting sites, 24 hour use of the painting studio and round trip transport from Toulouse Airport (scheduled times). Does not include airfare. Enrollment limited to 10 painters. All levels/media welcome. Contact: Julie Houck 808 873-0597 or email at Julie@juliehouck.com. For more information Julie go to her website, http://www.juliehouck.com To read more about the workshop at Le Vieux Couvent go to the workshop page of the website. Download a Brochure!

June 19-July 3, 2010. CLASSES AT LATITUDE CULTURAL CENTER, LOT VALLEY. 4 week-long workshops, all in the English language, will be offered at the Latitude Cultural Center in the never-industrialized, unspoiled Lot Valley at La Toulzanie, a riverside hamlet of fewer than 20 people which has been continuously inhabited at least since Neolithic times. (Latitude was founded in 1998 by E. Barbara Phillips, now professor emerita at San Francisco University; she is its current director, and the non-profit association is run by a board of people, all of whom are at least part-time residents of the Department of the Lot. Latitude is about 20 minutes from the cave paintings of Pech-Merle and 40 minutes from Cahors, the capital city of Quercy.) Two workshops will be offered from June 19-26:PAINTING THE COLORS OF SOUTHWEST FRANCE with Vermont watercolorist Rob O'Brien and A GREAT LEAP BACKWARD: An exploration into the psyche of the cave and the cave in the psyche with Bay Area psychologist Adrienne Amundsen; her workshop will emphasize the nature of creativity, and is eligible for continuing education credits (see website for details). June 26-July 3: 2 workshops: A TASTE OF TEXTILES with Maureen ("Mo") Newman and A TASTE OF SOUTHWEST FRANCE with E. Barbara Phillips. Details on courses, pricing, etc. at http://www.latitude.org

June 28-July 5, 2010. MIXED MEDIA PAINTING CLASS IN CARCASSONNE. Watercolor, Fluid Acrylic and Collage Techniques with CAROL DUCHAMP. A stunningly restored medieval town, Carcassonne¹s La Cité is a fairy tale enclave of turrets bathed in breathtaking light. Our beautiful and luxurious stone house mid-way between La Cité and Bastide St. Louis is a 15-minute walk from the restored castle (world heritage site) and a 15-minute walk from the famed Canal du Midi waterway. A walking path along the Aude River with exquisite views of La Cité is a 1-block meander from our French home away from home. Painting practice will take place in our private landscaped garden and en plein air at selected sites. carol@arttreks.com Renew your art spirit with color and wet-into-wet water media techniques that offer the amateur and professional painter the broadest expressive range. Demonstrations and discussion will include wetting the paper or canvas, color saturation, brushwork, compositional energy, atmospheric effect, edge tinting, textual elegance and the use of watercolor crayon, acrylic inks and polymer mediums for collage. Whether your work moves in a realistic or abstract direction, innovative teaching methods will build self-confidence and enhance your skill. Individual instruction as time permits. This class is suitable for all levels of skill from beginner to professional. www.arttreks.com Class fee of $650 (or 530 euros) includes six half-day art classes, individual instruction, a mid-trip sharing of our paintings in progress and farewell celebration of our work. Optional in-house accommodations $720 1/2 share twin (530 euros) $1400 single (1030 euros). To enroll in the art workshop, please mail your class deposit check of $250 (payable to Art Trek) to Carol Duchamp, Art Trek, P.O. Box 1103, Bolinas, CA 94924. You will receive a confirmation letter, suggested art materials list, information on meeting with the group and other pre-departure details. Balance of class fee is due 60-days prior to departure.

July10-17, 2010. PAINTING THE PROVENÇAL LANDSCAPE: LAVENDER SEASON IN PROVENCE. Paint the beautiful Luberon countryside while the Provence lavender fields are in bloom.We will be based at the charming Le Mas des Carissinshttp://www.masdescarassins.com/anglais.phpin St. Remy de Provence, where Van Goghpainted his famous "Starry Night." Our daily painting excursions will take us to quintessential Provence to paint Sault's lavender fields, Luberon hill towns and vineyards. To download a brochure: http://www.juliehouck.com/provence_web.pdf. Enrollment limited to 12. Fee: $2,900 (DO) with early deposit of $500 by December 31, 2009. $2,995 if deposit received after December 31, 2009. Single supplement: $500. Does not include airfare. Contact Julie Houck 808 873-0597 or email atJulie@juliehouck.com

TUTORING FOR MATH & SCIENCE – IN FRENCH! I graduated from La Perouse in 2007 with a Scientific Baccalaureat. I'm a Junior student in SRJC in organic chemistry, and have completed a summer internship in the Buck Institute. I give math, chemistry and physics tutoring for every level. Have 3 years of experience, good connections with students and satisfied results. Can meet at the students home or at your convenience. For more information, please feel free to contact me at awad.pierre@gmail.com or tel 415 408 1041.

LEARN FRENCH AT HOME WITH YOUR FRENCH TEACHER LIVE ON YOUR COMPUTER SCREEN! Skype is FREE and VERY easy to install and use. Learn, speak and practice French face to face with your teacher just like in a classroom. It's easy and very effective for students of any level, even complete beginners! The rates are: $30 for one single 30 minute lesson ($30) $25 x 5 for five 30 minute lessons paid in advance ($125) $20 x 10 for ten 30 minute lessons paid in advance ($200) $15 x 20 for twenty 30 minute lessons paid in advance ($300) For more information, please contact Dominiquebremond@aol.com

CERCLE DU LIVRE / BOOK CLUB at THE FRENCH CLASS. Free for The French Class members. Meeting once a month. A minimum of 3 people is necessary to hold the Book Club. You need to call in advance: (415) 362-3666 to sign up and let us know that you will be attending. The French Class, 500 Sutter Street, Ste. 310, SF, CA. 94102 (415) 362-3666 info@frenchclass.com or www.frenchclass.com for details.

LANGUAGE ATELIERS AT THE ALLIANCE FRANCAISE DE SAN FRANCISCO. One day workshops to energize your language-learning: French for Travelers; Business French; Phonetics and French Pronunciation. Contact Jeremiah Cruz [mailto:jcruz@afsf.com] for more information. 415.775.7755, ext 19.

FRENCH LANGUAGE WORKSHOPS OFFERED BY ELYCEE. Sign up for our most popular French Language Workshops. All our French teachers are native speakers, certified to teach French by the Ministere de l'Education nationale (French Ministry of Education), and our French Language Workshops are total immersion. A uniquely French environment. We have the world's first fully interactive virtual classroom, with full audio/video and a range of collaborative (shared) tools and applications. You can sign in from wherever you are to join teachers, friends and colleagues online. For information on our yearly academic programs for students- starting September 15th- please Christine Frin me directly. Christine Frin www.elycee.com France : Cell : 06 85 63 35 95 USA Cell : 1 415 328 5357 Fax : 1 415 480 2096

FRENCH TEACHER WORKSHOPS AT eLYCEE. The reactions of participants to our French teacher summer course were enthusiastic. So we created a continuing training program, once a month on Saturdays. If you are interested, please contact: Christine.frin@elycee.com

ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE DE SAN FRANCISCO. FRENCH FOR TRAVELERS. * New * A class designed specifically to teach those traveling to France basic French and to explain important French customs and behaviors. Through vocabulary, dialogues, visual aids, games and authentic materials (maps, menus, etc), you will learn phrases for specific situations (airport, hotel, bank, train station, etc). This class also serves as a useful review for intermediate and advanced learners. Accelerated Grammar for Beginners Cover two Beginner levels in only 8 weeks! Semi-private or private classes available. Call 415.775.7755 or email [mailto:jcruz@afsf.com].

eLYCEE is pleased to announce the opening of its new Minischool, with weekly French classes for kids aged 9 and 10. Based on our popular Maintien de la Langue classes for French-speaking students in the USA, our Minischool gives younger kids access to our unique virtual classroom. Our native French teachers encourage production and creativity, bringing the language and the culture to life in 90-minute total immersion sessions. In our relaxed learning environment, students develop their language skills and confidence, they work together, and - best of all - they love it. It's a brand new way to learn French for Life. For more information, visit www.elycee.com

eLYCEE also offers a range of online courses to choose from, including, for Middle School & High School students: private tutorials, Summer Camp, AP classes; for College students: private tutorials, workshops, French Club, AP classes, online OuLiPo workshops; for Adults: private tutorials, workshops, French Club, online OuLiPo workshops; and OuLiPo’s online ‘Ateliers d’Ecriture’ are available online for the first time ever; ONLY with eLycée. Visit our website: http://www.elycee.com/ If you would like to know more about this innovative program of after school classes, please contact Julian Hirst at julian.hirst@elycee.com, or +1 877 624 5330.

POUR TOUS LES PETITS: A CLASS FOR KIDS at the Alliance Française de Santa Rosa. With native speaker EVELYNE WHITMAN. To register, contact the director at herve@afsantarosa.org or call 707.543.8151. Saturdays, 11am-12pm.

FRENCH WINE CLASSES. The French Wine Society is offering French wine classes in San Francisco. Each class will be an in-depth lecture of a particular region including a tasting of six carefully selected fine wines to illustrate the regions character. These classes should not be missed. They represent a unique opportunity to increase your knowledge and enjoyment of French wine. Eric Lecours, Regional Director of the French Wine Society Bay Area, will be instructing the classes. He is a Certified Wine Educator and holds a Diploma in Wine & Spirits from the WSET. He is also one of only 20 Americans to be certified by the region of Bordeaux as an official instructor, having been sponsored by the Bordeaux Wine Council to attend a weeklong educational program in Bordeaux last year. He continues his studies and is working toward his Masters of Wine, the most respected qualification in the Wine Industry. For more information and registration: http://www.frenchwinesociety.org

COOKING CLASSES IN FRANCE OFFERED BY FORMER BAY AREA RESIDENT Philippe Gion. http://www.ArtandCookingClassesinFrance.com Philippe Gion was a resident of San Francisco from 1986 to 2001, then time shared between the US and Provence. Owner & chef of the restaurant "Café Landais" (1986-1990) then, manager of the restaurant of the "Alliance Fançaise,” he was also Executive Chef at Stanford University ("East House Residency", 1997- 2000). He was a member of the Board of Director at the "Lycée Français Lapérouse" (1988-1991) and creator of the first French Ciné-Club in San Francisco ("Alliance Française Ciné-Club" with the partnership of the Lycée Français). In 1996, Philippe Gion founded "Art and Cooking Classes in France" dedicated to bringing to our Anglo-Saxons friends and gourmets the best of the joie de vivre in France and, most of all, an attractive approach of the traditional French gastronomy in Provence.

FRENCH AT CASTRO VALLEY ADULT SCHOOL. Castro Valley Adult School is offering Beginning and Intermediate French on Monday evenings. Beginners 6:30 pm-8:30 pm; Intermediates 5:30 pm-7:30 pm. Come and practice French in a low-key, fun atmosphere. Helpful for travelers looking for survival French. Heavy emphasis on cultural topics. The intermediate class offers good practice for those with some experience in French. Additional out-of-class activities such as dinner outings, wine tastings, picnics, etc. will also be offered. Reasonable course fees. Call Castro Valley Adult School for more details: 510.886.1000.

FRENCH FOR FUN. French For Fun, a well-known language and cultural center in the East Bay, has long been a meeting ground for Francophone and Francophile parents. Recently relocated to a newer, larger facility, we’d like to invite you to come and check us out! We have a brand new Baby Circle for one-year-olds on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:00 – 10:30 and an ongoing Moms n’Tots program for toddlers on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 – 10:30. You don’t need an appointment. The first lesson is always free. Drop in and while you’re here feel free to browse our videothèque and library of French children’s books. We’d love to meet you! Madame@FrenchForFun.com or www.FrenchForFun.com

PARIS VERSION A LA FRANCAISE. Week-long French Culture and Language Seminar in Paris, various dates available. Enjoy speaking French in unknown and new Parisian surroundings : French classes in the morning, cultural and gourmet workshops or strolls through the real Paris in the afternoon. Paris Version à la Française ; http://www.parisvf.com for more details.

FRENCH CLASSES FOR LITTLE ONES IN SAN FRANCISCO. Contact: Jean et Marie store & Maisonette Playroom : Coordonnées: 510.759.1224 - ingrid@maisonettesf.com. Jean et Marie is proud to announce to offer its French immersion program for kids in its playroom, Maisonette. Language study is best started when very young, and that's why we decided to offer this opportunity to little ones as young as 2. Activities for each hour-and-a-half class include games, singing and dancing, puppets, drawing, and storytelling, all in French. For more information, come by the store, at 100 Clement Street, see: www.maisonettesf.com or call 510.759.1224.

THE INTERNATIONAL FRENCH CLUB. Going to France soon or you want to speak French like a French person? Join the International French Club. Savoir faire. Besides text and exercise books, all classes include the use of material that will expose you to the wide variety of the French-speaking world; among others, French news, French movies, novels, songs and cartoons. You will also be invited to participate in team work, games and role-plays that will express what you have learned. Free evaluation. Before signing up for a class, we will schedule a meeting to evaluate your writing and oral level, and to listen to your objectives in order to place you in the appropriate class and level. Contact Nathalie today at: 415.756.2531 info@ifrenchclub.com Beginner Classes :: Intermediate Classes :: Advanced Classes

FRENCH LANGUAGE INSTITUTE. Learn French at your own pace. French for children, adults and corporate in private or small classes. French Language Institut offers flexibility, fun, customized programs, library, newest educative material, CNED, craft sessions, trip to France and much more! Visit us @ http://www.FL-Institut.com or write to frenchteachers@siliconfrench.com.

LANGUAGES INSTITUTE INC. Languages Institute Inc. is comprised of a team of 8 experienced teachers. All our teachers are native French speakers, passionate about the language and earned a Bachelor or Master's degree. They have much experience to make your learning fun, pleasant and efficient! 1100 East Hamilton Avenue, #3, Campbell, CA. 408.377.1113 or 408.833.9620 or Info@Frenchin.Org or http://www.frenchin.org

May 11, 2010. WOMEN IN BUSINESS LUNCHEON. For this edition, we have the pleasure to welcome Belinda Tsao-Nivaggioli, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the board of the Avicena Group. Take part of this great networking event and seize the opportunity to meet business women of the Bay area. Men are welcome.
12pm-14pm, Sofitel San Francisco Bay, Redwood City. Contact: Carole Granade, Executive Director, French American Chamber of Commerce, 415.442.4717 or http://www.faccsf.com for details.

May 14, 2010. RUE MANOUCHE sings a selection of French classics and variety gypsy jazz at the invitation of the ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE DE SANTA ROSA. Rue Manouche is a gypsy jazz group founded in San Francisco in 2009 by guitarist Vic Wong and singer Michel Saga. Vista del Lago Club House, 3150 Lakeview Dr., Santa Rosa. Free. Refreshments will be provided.

May 20, 2010. CERCLE LITTERAIRE DE L’ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE DE SANTA ROSA discusses TOTAL KHEOPS de JEAN-CLAUDE IZZO. Led by RAYMOND LEMIEUX.info@afsantarosa.org for details.

May 20 or 22, 2010. PARIS AU TEMPS DE BALZAC. May 20, evening, hours TBA; May 22, 10:30-12:00pm. Attention! Comme pour le TGV, il est impératif de réserver. SVP, téléphonez à l'école: (415) 362.3666, pour vous inscrire en donnant votre numéro de carte bancaire [Your card will not be charged at that time]. THE FRENCH CLASS, 500 Sutter Street (at Powell), Suite 310, San Francisco. TEL: (415) 362.3666 FAX: (415) 362.4334 info@frenchclass.com Please MAKE A RESERVATION and please COME ON TIME. Since the room is not large, people who arrive after the lights have been turned off really disturb everybody. In addition, when people do not make a reservation, it is impossible to know how many will come and plan accordingly by moving the large table out.

May 22-23, 2010. CASSAND BALLET presents a world premiere of the full-length ballet: PERSEPHONE, with choreography by RODOLPHE CASSAND. Rodolphe Cassand has danced with SF Ballet, Smuin Ballet, Lines Ballet, ABT, Dance Theater of Harlem, and National Ballet of Marseille - Roland Petit. He is the recipient of a strong artistic heritage from great French ballet masters. At Cassand Ballet School and Company, Rodolphe is passing on his secrets to becoming a beautiful and inspiring dancer. Rodolphe has worked with renowned choreographers, including Roland Petit, Glenn Tetley and William Forsythe, who have shaped his prodigious creativity. Since opening his school in June 2009, Rodolphe has been choreographing/staging one new dance per month. *Persephone, *a full length neoclassical ballet by Rodolphe Cassand, inspired by a Greek myth on the changing seasons, will be premiered at the Sunnyvale Community Theater on Saturday May 22 and Sunday May 23, 2010. The Persephone cast is comprised of Cassand Ballet students, a Bay Area guest artist dancing the role of Hades, the god of the Underworld, and Rodolphe Cassand as Zeus, the king of gods. Saturday May 22, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday May 23, 2010 at 2:30 p.m. Sunnyvale Community Theater, 550 East Remington Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94087. TICKETS At the door: $25 General admission, $20 Seniors and Children under 13 Through studio in advance: $18 single tickets, $16 group price for 10 tickets Purchase via Paypal: $2 service charge fee included More info: www.CassandBallet.com, cassandballet@gmail.com<cassandballet@gmail.co>, (408) 636-3123

May 27-29, 2010. A.K.Y.S PROJECT: 100% CROISSANCE (France, U.S. Debut) at San Francisco International Arts Festival. SFIAF Early Bird Special From March 1-31, 2010 SFIAF will sell a limited number of tickets to all shows for $12. Tickets can be purchased on-line at Brown Paper Tickets or by calling 1-800-838-3006. The hyper-talented A.K.Y.S. Project from Lyon led by artistic director, circus trained Vietnamese-French Xavier Kim, make their first ever U.S. appearance with an extremely engaging multi-disciplinary work titled 100% Croissance (100% Growth) about the cycles of competition and collaboration and acrobatic travails of contract workers in the 21st Century high tech industry. A.K.Y.S. stands for Always Keep Your Smile; a fitting motif for the times. SFIAF 2010 Ticket Prices Single purchase advance ticket: $20 At the Door Ticket Prices General Admission: $25 Full time students with ID & seniors: $16 http://www.sfiaf.org/ A.K.Y.S. Project at SFIAF is supported by the French Cultural Services. Thur. May 27 8:00pm, Fri. May 28 9:00pm, Sat. May 29 7:00pm.

May 28-30, 2010. SWITZERLAND’S CIE. PROTOTYPE STATUS performs at the San Francisco International Arts Festival. The fiercely innovative Vevey-based dance company Prototype Status is making its US debut this spring. Bringing a handful of pieces drawing on Butoh, classical, and contemporary dance-theatre styles, the company, under the artistic direction of choreographer JASMINE MORAND, will hold three performances as part of the San Francisco International Arts Festival. Cie. Prototype Status at Fort Mason Center Marvin, Frozen, Caos & Caso May 28, 9:00 p.m. Southside Theatre Fort Mason, San Francisco, 94123 Ticketholders for this performance are invited to a reception at 7:30 p.m. in Building D, Fort Mason Center, held by the Consulate General of Switzerland in San Francisco and swissnex San Francisco. May 29, 7 p.m. Marvin Southside Theatre Fort Mason May 30, 4 p.m. Marvin Southside Theatre Fort Mason. Supported by Pro Helvetia, the Swiss Arts Council, swissnex San Francisco, and the Consulate General of Switzerland in San Francisco.

June 1 & 2, 2010. PINK MARTINI WITH THE SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY. Back by popular demand, Pink Martini returns to Davies Symphony Hall this spring! From pounding Cuban beats to the heart-wrenching tunes of a smoky Paris nightclub, this 12-piece ensemble brings together a variety of musical styles. Influenced by Latin music, jazz, cabaret, and a variety of other styles, Pink Martini mixes melodies and rhythms from around world to create something fresh and new. Tickets in years past have sold out early. Buy yours today! http://www.sfsymphony.org/season/Event.aspx?eventid=40084for details.

June 12, 2010. SALIF KEITA performs in the San Francisco Jazz Festval. 8pm and 10:30pm. http://sfjazz.org for details.

June 17-19, 2010. SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY performs POULENC’S SONATA FOR PIANO FOUR HANDS and RAVEL’S PIANO CONCERTO FOR THE LEFT HAND and more. Davies Symphony Hall. http://www.sfsymphony.org for details.

June 18-27, 2010. NINTH SACRAMENTO FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL at the Crest Theatre* in Sacramento. Save the date!

June 26-July 10, 2009. LANDSCAPE PAINTING IN SOUTHERN WESTERN FRANCE. Paint for two weeks in the beautiful Languedoc region of southwestern France. We will be based in Limoux where we will stay at Montfaucon, a beautiful restored maison d'maitre on the river Aude. Includes 14 nights' lodging (DO), all breakfasts, 12 dinners with wine, instruction, transportation to painting sites and round trip transport fromToulouse Airport. Does not include airfare. Enrollment limited to 10. Fee: $4,100 (DO). $3,950 with early deposit of $500 by October 15th, 2009, Contact: Julie Houck 808 873-0597 or email at Julie@juliehouck.com. Download brochure: http://www.juliehouck.com/montfaucon2009.pdf For more information about the workshop go tohttp://www.juliehouck.com To view a slide show of previous trips go to:http://www.juliehouck.com/workshops07france_slideshow09.htm.

July 10-17, 2010. PAINTING THE PROVENÇAL LANDSCAPE: LAVENDER SEASON IN PROVENCE. Paint the beautiful Luberon countryside while the Provence lavender fields are in bloom. We will be based at the charming Le Mas des Carissins http://www.masdescarassins.com/anglais.php in St. Remy de Provence, where Van Gogh painted his famous "Starry Night." Our daily painting excursions will take us to quintessential Provence to paint Sault's lavender fields, Luberon hill towns and vineyards. To download a brochure: http://www.juliehouck.com/provence_web.pdf. Enrollment limited to 12. Fee: $2,900 (DO) with early deposit of $500 by December 31, 2009. $2,995 if deposit received after December 31, 2009. Single supplement: $500. Does not include airfare. Contact Julie Houck 808 873-0597 or email at Julie@juliehouck.com

July 27, 2010. LAURENT FOURGO & HIS ENSEMBLE play at the Milpitas Summer Concert Series, 6:15 to 8:15pm, Milpitas. http://www.fourgo.com

July 31, 2010. LAURENT FOURGO & HIS ENSEMBLE play at the Clayton Concerts in the Grove, 6 to 8:30pm, Clayton. http://www.fourgo.com for details.

October 7-9, 2010. SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY performs EDGARD VARESE’s AMERIQUES and more. San Francisco Symphony, 415.864.6000 or http://sfsymphony.org for details.

October 14, 2010. SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY performs RAVEL’s LE TOMBEAU DE COUPERIN and more. San Francisco Symphony, 415.864.6000 or http://sfsymphony.org for details.

October 24-November 12, 2010. CYRANO DE BERGERAC. . San Francisco Opera. http://sfopera.com or 415.865.3330 for details.

November 11-13, 2010. SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY performs RAVEL’s PIANO CONCERTO IN G and more. San Francisco Symphony, 415.864.6000 or http://sfsymphony.org for details.

November 21, 2010. OLIVIER LATRY, titular organist of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris, performs with the San Francisco Symphony. San Francisco Symphony, 415.864.6000 or http://sfsymphony.org for details.

January 6-9, 2011. SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY performs with HELENE GRIMAUD, piano. San Francisco Symphony, 415.864.6000 or http://sfsymphony.org for details.

January 13-15, 2011. SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY conducted by YAN PASCAL TORTELIER. San Francisco Symphony, 415.864.6000 or http://sfsymphony.org for details.

February 17-19, 2011. SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY conducted by BERNARD LABADIE. San Francisco Symphony, 415.864.6000 or http://sfsymphony.org for details.

Always call ahead to confirm dates and times!

To return to the Bay Area Francophile List Homepage, please click here.